Leif Ericson remembered in Durham

Monday

Oct 14, 2013 at 3:15 AM

By Kendall Salterksalter@fosters.com

DURHAM — They gathered in the recesses of the Laundromat on Main Street, the sons and daughters of Scandinavia and other curious enough to join the fun, adorned with flags and Viking horns, helmets and even swords.

Early Sunday morning, dozens met to commemorate Leif Ericson Day, a nationally-recognized holiday to celebrate the explorer who landed in North America half a millennium before Columbus stumbled across its shores. This was the 37th annual Leif Ericson Day march in Durham, a short affair consisting of a quick walk from the Durham Laundercenter to Young’s Restaurant for breakfast.

Ken and Peter Andersen led the way this year, as they have for the last four or five editions. The march started when three friends met at the Durham Laundercenter to celebrate the occasion many years ago, and it has grown ever since, mostly under the watch of Doris Peterson. When Peterson could no longer attend, the Andersens took over.

“We just helped out,” Peter Andersen said. “When she couldn’t do it, we were stuck.”

Ken Andersen said there have been some years where the crowd has boomed to almost one hundred strong, back in “the glory days.” This year’s parade featured about 30-40 merry celebrants, chanting loudly into the crisp morning air. Before the brief march — “The shortest parade in the world, but it’s long in our hearts” -- Peter Andersen encouraged the crowd of flag-waving, horn-wearing and sword-wielding participants to shout loud enough to be heard by drowsy students still recovering from the previous night’s homecoming revelries: “For noble deeds and daring done, we all salute Leif Ericson.”

The crowd soon adjourned for breakfast, capping off the festive morning with a few final chants. Kim Nicols brought her family, many of whom sported black Viking helmets, to the event for the first time.

“We loved it,” Nicols said.

Strafford resident Chris Kofer said the march is not just about celebrating Ericson, but about embracing a common heritage. Kofer came decked out in full regalia.

“I ironed my tunic last night,” Kofer joked, adding the event was a chance to acknowledge an important part of the past. “This is kind of a milestone in Scandinavian culture.”